Cram Session - Week 13

The college football season is beginning to wind down and we are now at the point of the season where it is all about jockeying for bowl eligibility, a BCS bowl berth, or going to the BCS Championship game. The biggest game of the weekend is once again in the Big 12, as #2 Texas Tech travels to #5 Oklahoma. If Texas Tech wins then the BCS still has a chance to avoid chaos. If Oklahoma wins, then all hell will break loose and the debates will begin.

Games That Matter to Me That May Not Matter to You

Syracuse (2-8) at Notre Dame (6-4)

Notre Dame narrowly averted what would have been the most crushing loss in school history against Navy last Saturday. This game should not come down to that. Syracuse is terrible, they have a lame duck coach now in Greg Robinson and basically nothing to play for. I expect Notre Dame to handle the Orange and prepare for their toughest test of the season at USC next week.

Prediction: Notre Dame 31, Syracuse 14

Top 25

#2 Texas Tech (10-0, 6-0) at #5 Oklahoma (9-1, 5-1)

Texas Tech has met the tests put in front of them all season. However, they haven't had a test like this. Oklahoma is almost unebeatable at home under Bob Stoops, with a 58-2 home record. I think the Red Raiders are very good, but primetime in Norman, that stadium is going to be unbelievably pumped. I think the Sooners win and chaos begins in the BCS.

Prediction: Oklahoma 44, Texas Tech 41

Citadel (4-7) at #4 Florida (9-1, 7-1)

Florida is really starting to look like they are the best team in the country.

Prediction: Florida 66, Citadel 9

#14 BYU (10-1, 6-1) at #7 Utah (11-0, 7-0)

BYU proved me wrong last week and won at Air Force and they will certainly give the Utes a fight in Utah. However, the Utes will survive and earn their second BCS bowl berth in school history. Also, it's a shame that I can watch the awful Apple Cup between Washington State and Washington on TV, but have no chance to watch this game. Mountain West > Pac 10.

Prediction: Utah 24, BYU 21

#15 Michigan State (9-2, 6-1) at #8 Penn State (10-1, 6-1)

If Penn State wins they are assured of a Rose Bowl berth, while Michigan State would need some help from Michigan even if they are able to pull off the upset. I think they keep this game closer than the 14 points Vegas is predicting, but Penn State is headed to Pasadena.

Prediction: Penn State 34, Michigan State 23

#9 Boise State (10-0, 6-0) at Nevada (6-4, 4-2)

People think Nevada may be able to upset the Broncos, being the WAC expert that I am, I don't see it.

Prediction: Boise State 40, Nevada 27

Michigan (3-8, 2-5) at #10 Ohio State (9-2, 6-1)

Boy, this game sure has lost its luster this year. Funny to see Michigan fall to the depths that Notre Dame fell to last year. Ohio State wins this meaningless game.

Prediction: Ohio State 35, Michigan 14

Air Force (8-3, 5-2) at #16 TCU (9-2, 6-1)

Air Force let me down last week, can't pick them to win on the road here.

Prediction: TCU 28, Air Force 17

#17 Ball State (10-0, 6-0) at Central Michigan (8-2, 6-0)

The best that the MAC has to offer tussle tonight. Ball State could go 12-0 and should be nowhere near a BCS game. Thankfully Central Michigan will derail that possibility.

Prediction: Central Michigan 31, Ball State 28

Mississippi (6-4, 3-3) at #18 LSU (7-3, 3-3)

LSU had to make an amazing comeback to avoid losing at home to Troy. That 2008 national title would have been quickly forgotten in Baton Rouge if that loss would have happened. The further the season moves on, it becomes more and more amazing that Ole Miss won at Florida. Houston Nutt took Arkansas to Baton Rouge and won last year, I am too nervous to pick him to do it this year.

Prediction: LSU 27, Mississippi 24

#20 Pittsburgh (7-2, 3-1) at #19 Cincinnati (8-2, 4-1)

Maybe I should stop picking Cincinnati to lose but I just don't believe in them. I won't pick against them again if they prove me wrong this week.

Prediction: Pittsburgh 23, Cincinnati 17

#21 Oregon State (7-3, 6-1) at Arizona (6-4, 4-3)

The Beavers Rose Bowl dreams will come to an end in Tucson.

Prediction: Arizona 34, Oregon State 33

North Carolina State (4-6, 2-4) at #22 North Carolina (7-3, 3-3)

Tar Heels all the way.

Prediction: North Carolina 34, North Carolina State 17

#23 Miami (7-3, 4-2) at Georgia Tech (7-3, 4-3)

So Miami fans aren't allowing anyone on their bandwagon? Good, because your stay in the Top 25 will be short.

Prediction: Georgia Tech 20, Miami 17

Florida State (7-3, 4-3) at #25 Maryland (7-3, 4-2)

Maryland is unstoppable at home and the Seminoles proved with their loss at home to Boston College that they aren't back as some in the media were hoping.

Prediction: Maryland 28, Florida State 23

Last Week: 16-4
Overall: 117-40